Incident Management Update: Having Trouble Completing Investigations In A Timely Manner?

This article was written by Heather Brownson.

Recently, the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has been placing a stronger focus on Incident Management, primarily surrounding timely completion of investigations of reportable incidents. The following is a high-level overview of OPWDD’s Part 624 Regulations.

• OPWDD requires voluntary agencies to have a process for reporting, monitoring, and investigating all reportable incidents. It is also a regulatory requirement to ensure that all investigations are completed thoroughly and within the expected timeframes.
• Title 14 NYCRR Part 624 Regulations state that when a voluntary agency is responsible for a reportable incident “The investigation must be completed no later than 30 days after the incident or notable occurrence is reported to the Justice Center and/or OPWDD, or, in the case of a minor notable occurrence, no later than 30 days after completion of the written initial occurrence report or entry of initial information in IRMA.” It should also be noted that ICFs have five working days to complete the investigation.
• Recently, OPWDD implemented a Quality Improvement Plan that focuses on the timely completion of investigations to ensure a compliance rate of 86% across New York State.
• Failure to complete investigations within 30 days can potentially result in the Division of Quality Improvement (DQI) issuing a Statement of Deficiency and requiring a voluntary agency to complete a Plan of Corrective Action.

How our Compliance Solutions Team Can Help

Our team of licensed and certified professionals bring more than 50 years of provider experience in Clinical, Compliance, and Quality Programs. We work with providers to:

• Conduct timely investigations of reportable incidents.
• Assess and streamline their Compliance and Quality programs, ensuring that they align with existing regulations and produce effective quality services and results.
• Evaluate their Incident Management programs and ensure they meet regulatory compliance.
• Help identify data quality objectives and goals for a successful Quality Assurance Program.